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The Sleepy Hollow Incident
In a small town shrouded in shadows, a sinister alliance between love and darkness is forged. Winter, 1997. Marc Saduj, a romance writer, watches his beloved Lori Francon slip away after a car crash. Desperate to save her, he makes a deal with the mysterious Man in Black - his soul in exchange for her life. But as Lori miraculously recovers and returns to Long Island, Marc retreats to a foreboding mansion in Sleepy Hollow's western woods.
As mutilated bodies start appearing in town, Detective Stephen Carver follows a trail of medieval torture and satanic worship, all leading to Marc. But the truth is far more terrifying than anyone could imagine. When Lori discovers Marc's notebook detailing the murders, she rushes back to save him, only to find herself at the center of an ancient evil's resurgence. The Man in Black is no ordinary demon, and Marc's bargain has set in motion a chain of events that could unleash hell on earth.
As a celestial portal threatens to open and Marc's possession deepens, Lori must face the ultimate question - when someone sells their soul to save your life, what are you willing to sacrifice to save theirs?
Some bargains are sealed with a kiss. Others with a scream.
As mutilated bodies start appearing in town, Detective Stephen Carver follows a trail of medieval torture and satanic worship, all leading to Marc. But the truth is far more terrifying than anyone could imagine. When Lori discovers Marc's notebook detailing the murders, she rushes back to save him, only to find herself at the center of an ancient evil's resurgence. The Man in Black is no ordinary demon, and Marc's bargain has set in motion a chain of events that could unleash hell on earth.
As a celestial portal threatens to open and Marc's possession deepens, Lori must face the ultimate question - when someone sells their soul to save your life, what are you willing to sacrifice to save theirs?
Some bargains are sealed with a kiss. Others with a scream.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
7 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
P.D. Alleva
19 books766 followersPD Alleva writes thrillers. Whether those thrillers are Sci-Fi Fantasy’s about Alien Vampires attempting to subjugate the human race, or steeped in a haunting mystery, or an urban paranormal fantasy, PD always provides readers with a profound, entertaining, and satisfying reader experience, in a new genre he has coined as alternative fiction. His novels blend mystery, conspiracy, psychology, and action with the supernatural, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Alternative fiction is PD's attempt at describing what readers uncover in any one of his books, a new discovery towards mainstream storytelling. He's been writing since childhood, creating and developing stories with brash and impactful concepts he describes are metaphors for the shifting energies that exist in the universe. PD lives inside of his own universe, working diligently on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, The Rose Vol. II, the urban paranormal fantasy series, Girl on a Mission, and Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect, PD’s upcoming horror novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 27, 2025
The Sleepy Hollow Incident by P.D. Alleva is a paranormal/horror/romance novel about the legendary Sleepy Hollow....but with a whole new spin. I consider it more horror than any of the above.
First, let me thank the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Please be aware that these books must be read in order, and you will have to read them all. The story just continues from one book to the next. It's a four-book series. That being said, Alleva can really write. He pulls you in from the start, so you crave the next book.
I may not like romance novels, but this is so much more than that! Let's face it, anything set in Sleepy Hollow is going to be more that simply a love story. Okay, I admit that in one way it is a love story. What will you sacrifice to save the love of your life? In another way, it's a good vs evil book. It's about manipulation and deceit. It's also turning out to be a pretty good mystery. Oh, and it's both suspenseful and gory.
Overall, this book is a very atmospheric tale, filled with supernatural and devilish forces. It is dark. It is eerie. And it is good!
Anyway, until next time!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 16, 2025
Alleva has a way of getting into your head, delving into the darkest parts of the human condition and leaving you in pieces. I’m a huge fan of Alleva’s work. His Jigglyspot and Golem still haunt my dreams! Part of a 4 book series, part one of The Sleepy Hollow Incident is a fast-paced 66 page novella full of the madness and brutality that is characteristic of Alleva’s work.
A love story is at the centre of this story- a novel aspect in Alleva’s books but it quickly becomes a dark and twisted tale that only he can write and you know that it isn’t going to end well. When Marc makes a desperate attempt to save his partner Lori’s life, he makes a bargain that he doesn’t fully understand and all hell will break loose.
The supernatural gothic vibe is there at the core of this story, the murder mystery working alongside the supernatural elements and I cannot wait to read the next 3 books in the series. Alleva’s fascination with the dark and twisted minds comes to the forefront with the addition of the asylum scene and a character who I can’t wait to read more about (giving Renfield and Hannibal Lecter vibes which I love!)
Book 1 is available now with the other 3 available to preorder. If you want a deep dive into all things supernatural and terrifying, Alleva’s books need to be on your tbr. Go check out his other books too but just don’t forget to leave a light on at night 😉
5 ⭐️
A love story is at the centre of this story- a novel aspect in Alleva’s books but it quickly becomes a dark and twisted tale that only he can write and you know that it isn’t going to end well. When Marc makes a desperate attempt to save his partner Lori’s life, he makes a bargain that he doesn’t fully understand and all hell will break loose.
The supernatural gothic vibe is there at the core of this story, the murder mystery working alongside the supernatural elements and I cannot wait to read the next 3 books in the series. Alleva’s fascination with the dark and twisted minds comes to the forefront with the addition of the asylum scene and a character who I can’t wait to read more about (giving Renfield and Hannibal Lecter vibes which I love!)
Book 1 is available now with the other 3 available to preorder. If you want a deep dive into all things supernatural and terrifying, Alleva’s books need to be on your tbr. Go check out his other books too but just don’t forget to leave a light on at night 😉
5 ⭐️
October 4, 2025
I was immediately engrossed in the dark and unsettling tale of The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One. I was drawn into the horrifying events on the first page.
The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One begins with a body, sliced from end to end, resting on a bed in a hotel room. What a gory scene! I can picture it all in all its glorious, horrifying glory because the words are so well worded.
In The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One, they are involved in a horrific accident that puts both in the ICU. Marc wakes up first, while Lori remains in a coma, in critical condition. Lori’s mother, Elena, won’t allow Marc to visit, but the determined man slips into her room while her mother is away. Marc enters a dark world when he learns that Lori may not survive. He makes a deal with a dark man, offering his life for Lori’s.
I was unable to put the book down because of the overwhelming suspense. As I hurried to the end of The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One, I was captivated and eager to see what would happen next. What a terrible tale!
I am eager to see what occurs in Book Two of The Sleepy Hollow Incident!
The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One begins with a body, sliced from end to end, resting on a bed in a hotel room. What a gory scene! I can picture it all in all its glorious, horrifying glory because the words are so well worded.
In The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One, they are involved in a horrific accident that puts both in the ICU. Marc wakes up first, while Lori remains in a coma, in critical condition. Lori’s mother, Elena, won’t allow Marc to visit, but the determined man slips into her room while her mother is away. Marc enters a dark world when he learns that Lori may not survive. He makes a deal with a dark man, offering his life for Lori’s.
I was unable to put the book down because of the overwhelming suspense. As I hurried to the end of The Sleepy Hollow Incident Book One, I was captivated and eager to see what would happen next. What a terrible tale!
I am eager to see what occurs in Book Two of The Sleepy Hollow Incident!
October 11, 2025
Perfect read for Halloween season! A deft blend of gothic vibes, historical fiction, crime thriller. I can’t wait for book 2.
September 11, 2025
Dark, brooding, and deeply atmospheric, The Sleepy Hollow Incident is a supernatural gothic tale that sinks its claws in from the first page and doesn’t let go. P.D. Alleva masterfully blends elements of horror and romance in this haunting opener to a four-part saga, offering readers a chilling look at love and sacrifice.
Set in Sleepy Hollow, the story follows a romance novelist named Marc who strikes a bargain with the Man in Black to save the love of his life from certain death. What begins as an act of devotion soon descends into horror as a series of gruesome events erupts across town.
What makes The Sleepy Hollow Incident stand out is its emotional resonance and the layered, slow-burning tension that builds toward something far more epic. After reading, you’ll be left with one question: how far would you go for someone who gave up everything for you?
Set in Sleepy Hollow, the story follows a romance novelist named Marc who strikes a bargain with the Man in Black to save the love of his life from certain death. What begins as an act of devotion soon descends into horror as a series of gruesome events erupts across town.
What makes The Sleepy Hollow Incident stand out is its emotional resonance and the layered, slow-burning tension that builds toward something far more epic. After reading, you’ll be left with one question: how far would you go for someone who gave up everything for you?
September 1, 2025
Pt.1-Lori and Marc decide they are soulmates. Lori had a past history of a broken heart so when she met Marc; she was able to believe in love again. Marc has always been different but that is why Lori loves him. He loves her just as much. He cannot imagine life without her. Both have this uneasy feeling that something is coming ; they don’t know what but they know that the world is about to change and not in a good way.
Pt.2-After the terrible accident that almost took both their lives, things began to happen that neither one had any control over. Marc soon began to realize that Lori was injured really bad and that she may not live. The reader learns that Marc has a ‘guardian Angel-like’ person from his life that might be able to help him with the current situation. The reader is then exposed to the reality that Marc and Lori are pawns in a game of good vs. evil. As I read further, I began to realize, it was clear that evil was up to no good. What occurs next lets the reader know this has been planned for a long time.
Pt.2-After the terrible accident that almost took both their lives, things began to happen that neither one had any control over. Marc soon began to realize that Lori was injured really bad and that she may not live. The reader learns that Marc has a ‘guardian Angel-like’ person from his life that might be able to help him with the current situation. The reader is then exposed to the reality that Marc and Lori are pawns in a game of good vs. evil. As I read further, I began to realize, it was clear that evil was up to no good. What occurs next lets the reader know this has been planned for a long time.
October 7, 2025
The first part of the serialized novel really drew me in. It did what I believe all serial novels should do, in that it made me hunger for more.
PD Alleva writes with such wonderful prose that it is enough to make you fall in love with his writing, with his stories, and with the characters.
There is plenty of mystery, and that's what makes this such a fun read. I have no clue what is going to happen in the later volumes.
PD Alleva writes with such wonderful prose that it is enough to make you fall in love with his writing, with his stories, and with the characters.
There is plenty of mystery, and that's what makes this such a fun read. I have no clue what is going to happen in the later volumes.
October 12, 2025
The first book I ever read by this author was Golem. It was fantastic and if you haven't read it, then quit reading my review of this and go pick it up, then come back and read this book.
This book is part of a series. I would like to thank the author for reaching out and asking if I would read them. I didn't even hesitate; the answer is always yes. Some authors are just like that.
This book falls into the paranormal/romance/horror genre. The book takes place in the infamous Sleepy Hollow, a place I have always wanted to visit. I was immediately sucked into the story and could not put this book down. The story centers around Marc and Lori. Two people very much in love but each holding a secret. In the story they are involved in a horrific accident and while Marc wakes, while scarred, Lori remains in a coma. Even worse her mother refuses to let Marc visit her. What would you give to save the one you love the most? I have been married for almost 20 years to a man I truly believe was made just for me, so I would go to the ends of the earth to save him.
The suspense within this story is intense, yet it keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. I am beyond excited to see how the next three books play out. This book is the perfect beginning to October, and we head towards Halloween I am excited to keep reading.
This book is part of a series. I would like to thank the author for reaching out and asking if I would read them. I didn't even hesitate; the answer is always yes. Some authors are just like that.
This book falls into the paranormal/romance/horror genre. The book takes place in the infamous Sleepy Hollow, a place I have always wanted to visit. I was immediately sucked into the story and could not put this book down. The story centers around Marc and Lori. Two people very much in love but each holding a secret. In the story they are involved in a horrific accident and while Marc wakes, while scarred, Lori remains in a coma. Even worse her mother refuses to let Marc visit her. What would you give to save the one you love the most? I have been married for almost 20 years to a man I truly believe was made just for me, so I would go to the ends of the earth to save him.
The suspense within this story is intense, yet it keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. I am beyond excited to see how the next three books play out. This book is the perfect beginning to October, and we head towards Halloween I am excited to keep reading.
September 22, 2025
A four book series soaked in blood and eternal damnation. Epic storytelling and world building, incredible characterisation and grotesquely gothic in feel. This is a story of good versus evil, it has sacrificial love, a creepy house in the woods, a small town’s horrific past, dark occult practices, hidden family secrets, demons, witches, ghosts and a literal portal to hell! It is brutal and gruesome but epic in its scope. The whole series will be out and published by the end of December 2025 but part one is unleashed on 7th October.
Book One - Marc and Lori are in love, she is from a wealthy family with nefarious links and suffers from horrific waking nightmares. Marc is a romance writer from a fractured home who has spent his life haunted by a man in black who whispers into his mind. Following a near fatal car accident, Marc makes a deadly deal to save Lori’s life. Meanwhile the local town is plagued by horrific murders, the hearts of the victims are torn from their chests and Detective Carver, races to find the killer. Meanwhile a local criminal asylum has a riot and a particularly terrifying and manipulative inmate walks out amidst the chaos.
Book One - Marc and Lori are in love, she is from a wealthy family with nefarious links and suffers from horrific waking nightmares. Marc is a romance writer from a fractured home who has spent his life haunted by a man in black who whispers into his mind. Following a near fatal car accident, Marc makes a deadly deal to save Lori’s life. Meanwhile the local town is plagued by horrific murders, the hearts of the victims are torn from their chests and Detective Carver, races to find the killer. Meanwhile a local criminal asylum has a riot and a particularly terrifying and manipulative inmate walks out amidst the chaos.
October 3, 2025
PD Alleva is one heck of a writer and when he asked me to ARC read his book, I was too excited to do so. PD pulls off a great combination of supernatural horror and a romance plot. It's a love story that answers the classic question, how much are you willing to sacrifice? It's an eerie tale that continues with the next three books in the series that I can't wait to read.
What gets me is the prose of the story, it drive you in. It's pretty hard to explain and you just have to read it for yourself. Then again, anything involving Sleepy Hollow will be spooky and this is no exception. PD continues to impress me with his works. Grab this one when it releases!
What gets me is the prose of the story, it drive you in. It's pretty hard to explain and you just have to read it for yourself. Then again, anything involving Sleepy Hollow will be spooky and this is no exception. PD continues to impress me with his works. Grab this one when it releases!
October 7, 2025
This series is an absolute insane demented ride!!
Book One: Just like Jigglyspot PD loves multiple POVs and these characters are super interesting! You can feel the growth from PD was a writer and it is amazing! I love the little nods to Sleepy Hollow and Salem’s Lot and the first chapter starts out with a bang! The first book is very focused on Marc and Lori’s relationship and the incident. By the time I finished the first book I was itching for more! I love the writing style and knew it was just going to go insane from here!
Boy was I right…
Book One: Just like Jigglyspot PD loves multiple POVs and these characters are super interesting! You can feel the growth from PD was a writer and it is amazing! I love the little nods to Sleepy Hollow and Salem’s Lot and the first chapter starts out with a bang! The first book is very focused on Marc and Lori’s relationship and the incident. By the time I finished the first book I was itching for more! I love the writing style and knew it was just going to go insane from here!
Boy was I right…
November 17, 2025
This is so atmospheric and rich and dark and riveting. Its equal parts detective story and horror story with a heart-wrenching romance woven in for good measure. I love how it's set against the backdrop of Sleepy Hollow, making it the perfect read for fall.
The story pulls you in from the beginning. It's dark and gritty and disturbing, but also endearing in so many moments and you find yourself rooting for Lori and Marc.
The story pulls you in from the beginning. It's dark and gritty and disturbing, but also endearing in so many moments and you find yourself rooting for Lori and Marc.
December 7, 2025
What an entry! The first chapter of this does certainly not hold back. Within mere minutes of opening the pages we are in a dark motel room with blood and gore coating the walls, a body flayed open, organs neatly arranged and a few missing. Just another entry into the realm of PD Alleva and I'm all here for it! There are multiple POV's but not so many that you feel overwhelmed, and just the overarching tension of knowing that the only way is down for the characters but up for the reader! Onto part two!
December 15, 2025
This is a good book to read if you enjoy horror this is book one and I plan to read the whole series.Marc and Lori are a couple both having nightmares about a man in black and then they decide to take a vacation and end up in the hospital after an auto accident.Marc is injured but gets released from the hospital but Lori is in a coma in critical condition in order to save
Lori Marc must give up his soul to the man in black a real page turner.
Lori Marc must give up his soul to the man in black a real page turner.
October 4, 2025
I was hooked and reeled in for the beginning. Making deals with a dark man to save the love of your life? Umm heck yeah! This book is more than just romance. It will leave you in terrible suspense. On to book 2. See you there!
December 17, 2025
A true horror story with elements of gothic thriller. Marc and Lori are in love when a tragic car accident injures Lori who may not survive. A stranger appears with a deal for Marc- could it be the devil? This story grabbed me from the first chapter!
October 26, 2025
Soooooo can't wait for the other books!!
November 7, 2025
I loved this book so much!!! Everything about it is amazing!!! A gothic supernatural crime novel at it's finest & I love the character Wren! I can't wait to dive into book 2!!
October 4, 2025
No one writes supernatural horror and both the fascination and the inevitability of evil like P. D. Alleva, and Book 1 of The Sleepy Hollow Incident is no different. Compared to other novels I read by this author, we have a love story at the centre of this tale, but as you can foresee, it doesn’t end well. In a rush to save his lover’s life, Marc agrees to a bargain he doesn’t fully understand but that he can already feel wasn’t a good one.
As always with P. D. Alleva, I’m hooked and can’t wait to continue the series, to follow the fate of Marc and Lori, but also all the shady and evil characters that have been introduced, as well as the murder mystery.
Although the story has only begun, the characters already show depth, but I can already anticipate that they will show so much more intensity and nuances, making me rethink my loyalty.
The author really knows how to draw the reader in with a great premise and the promise of a complex plot where evil and pain are the protagonists. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
As always with P. D. Alleva, I’m hooked and can’t wait to continue the series, to follow the fate of Marc and Lori, but also all the shady and evil characters that have been introduced, as well as the murder mystery.
Although the story has only begun, the characters already show depth, but I can already anticipate that they will show so much more intensity and nuances, making me rethink my loyalty.
The author really knows how to draw the reader in with a great premise and the promise of a complex plot where evil and pain are the protagonists. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
October 7, 2025
This one is a slow burn, the story building at the beginning is quite long but well worth it and needed gor the rest of the book. Great story and I can't wait to read the next book.
October 20, 2025
"But who controls the narrative? Who decides what information is plausible or fiction? Eventually, it becomes too much information, and that’s when we all tumble down a rabbit hole, seeking the very truth that exists within each and every one of us. But here’s the rub, that rabbit hole never ends."
Alleva has proved himself to be one hell of a storyteller. I absolutely loved this book. It had me in a chokehold from cover to cover. The plot was amazing and unique. The characters are done really well, and despite there being a lot of them, it was easy to keep track. Same with the plot, there is a whole lot going on, but again, the way Alleva is able to curate a story makes it easy to follow along without getting lost. A LOT happens in book one. A LOT. There is a full range of emotions that happen. There’s also a ton of different tropes, etc., that are touched upon.
I will say that this is a series you will want to binge-read. I am fortunate to have the ARC’s and therefore start book two as soon as I finished the first, but the struggle of waiting to see what would happen would have been there to the max had I not had the rest of the series.
There isn’t a horror reader that I wouldn’t recommend this book/series to. It really is incredible, and again, Alleva can create a hell of a story and tell it perfectly.
December 18, 2025
Thank you PD for an advanced copy of this book!
It has been a while since I’ve read some books from PD, so I was excited to see more from him, and I’m so glad he’s still writing so many books! Publishing a whole series back-to-back is no small feat!
For this novel, there's a lot of great twists and turns. The mysteries were cool as well. However, this book, to me, was hard to get into. If you love lots and lots of descriptive prose and fewer scenes, you'll love this book. But for me personally, I prefer his older books, my favorite being The Rose.
He's taking a different approach with this series, and it isn't working for me so far, but it could work great for someone else. Either way, he's a great horror writer to support.
It has been a while since I’ve read some books from PD, so I was excited to see more from him, and I’m so glad he’s still writing so many books! Publishing a whole series back-to-back is no small feat!
For this novel, there's a lot of great twists and turns. The mysteries were cool as well. However, this book, to me, was hard to get into. If you love lots and lots of descriptive prose and fewer scenes, you'll love this book. But for me personally, I prefer his older books, my favorite being The Rose.
He's taking a different approach with this series, and it isn't working for me so far, but it could work great for someone else. Either way, he's a great horror writer to support.
September 21, 2025
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Part One & Two: A Gothic Tale of Horror, Romance & Fantasy!
Book 1 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
By PD Alleva
Publisher: Chamber Door Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: October 7, 2025
ASIN: B0DM588F1L
Pages: (Prepare your stamina, it’s gothic, it lingers)
Triggers: Satanic ritual vibes, demonic possession, gruesome bodies, and the kind of romance that asks, “Would you sell your soul for me?”
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀 (Sleep with the lights on. And maybe sage your house.)
What Did I Just Walk Into?
It’s Faustian Bargain: The Romance Edition. Marc Saduj, a broody romance writer, makes a deal with the Man in Black to save his beloved Lori Francon after a car crash. Soul? Gone. Love? Alive. Consequences? Oh honey, the bodies pile up like it’s a Black Friday sale at the morgue. Detective Carver is connecting dots, Lori is catching on to Marc’s nightmare-fueled spiral and somewhere in the shadows, the Man in Black is watching, cane in hand, waiting for the portal to Xibalba to tear itself open.
This isn’t just a story. It’s gothic atmosphere dripping down the walls, a romance that’s equal parts sweet and cursed, and horror that doesn’t apologize for being grotesque.
Here’s What Slapped:
• The setting: Sleepy Hollow isn’t just a backdrop, it’s basically a character with its own ghostly side-eye.
• Marc and Lori’s devotion: Heartbreaking and terrifying all at once. “Till death do us part” gets redefined real quick.
• The Man in Black: Moves like a nightmare, talks like a riddle, ruins lives like it’s his side hustle.
• That blend of gothic, horror, romance, and fantasy? Mr. Alleva stirs the pot and serves it hot.
What Could’ve Been Better:
• Honestly, nothing. Unless you wanted less gore, in which case, wrong book my friend.
• Oh, and Marc? Maybe don’t accept deals from mysterious shadow men. Just saying.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
• Gothic sagas with twisted romance
• Small town horror crawling with shadows
• Deals with the devil that never end well
• Dark tales that demand you cancel weekend plans
Book Series Order:
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Part One & Two: A Gothic Tale of Horror, Romance & Fantasy!
Book 1 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Two (Parts Three & Four): A Gothic Tale!
Book 2 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Three (Parts Five & Six): A Gothic Tale!
Book 3 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Four (Parts Seven, Eight & Nine): A Gothic Tale!
Book 4 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Book 1 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
By PD Alleva
Publisher: Chamber Door Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: October 7, 2025
ASIN: B0DM588F1L
Pages: (Prepare your stamina, it’s gothic, it lingers)
Triggers: Satanic ritual vibes, demonic possession, gruesome bodies, and the kind of romance that asks, “Would you sell your soul for me?”
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀 (Sleep with the lights on. And maybe sage your house.)
What Did I Just Walk Into?
It’s Faustian Bargain: The Romance Edition. Marc Saduj, a broody romance writer, makes a deal with the Man in Black to save his beloved Lori Francon after a car crash. Soul? Gone. Love? Alive. Consequences? Oh honey, the bodies pile up like it’s a Black Friday sale at the morgue. Detective Carver is connecting dots, Lori is catching on to Marc’s nightmare-fueled spiral and somewhere in the shadows, the Man in Black is watching, cane in hand, waiting for the portal to Xibalba to tear itself open.
This isn’t just a story. It’s gothic atmosphere dripping down the walls, a romance that’s equal parts sweet and cursed, and horror that doesn’t apologize for being grotesque.
Here’s What Slapped:
• The setting: Sleepy Hollow isn’t just a backdrop, it’s basically a character with its own ghostly side-eye.
• Marc and Lori’s devotion: Heartbreaking and terrifying all at once. “Till death do us part” gets redefined real quick.
• The Man in Black: Moves like a nightmare, talks like a riddle, ruins lives like it’s his side hustle.
• That blend of gothic, horror, romance, and fantasy? Mr. Alleva stirs the pot and serves it hot.
What Could’ve Been Better:
• Honestly, nothing. Unless you wanted less gore, in which case, wrong book my friend.
• Oh, and Marc? Maybe don’t accept deals from mysterious shadow men. Just saying.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
• Gothic sagas with twisted romance
• Small town horror crawling with shadows
• Deals with the devil that never end well
• Dark tales that demand you cancel weekend plans
Book Series Order:
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Part One & Two: A Gothic Tale of Horror, Romance & Fantasy!
Book 1 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Two (Parts Three & Four): A Gothic Tale!
Book 2 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Three (Parts Five & Six): A Gothic Tale!
Book 3 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Four (Parts Seven, Eight & Nine): A Gothic Tale!
Book 4 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
October 27, 2025
If gothic horror is your kind of a story, then The Sleepy Hollow Incident is a must-read. The story adds a modern touch to the classic Sleepy Hollow set in the late-1990s.
Marc and Lori are living a great life together. Lori practically fell in love instantly, with Marc not far behind. However, both of them have demons in their closets. As Lori said in the book, Marc is an “introverted extrovert.” Marc had a difficult childhood that has led to some incidents in his past that he struggles with. This carries over into his current daily life. Lori suffers from day terrors at all times of the day. Together, they help each other through the ups and downs of life. One evening, after a lovely date, things turn dark. Lori and Marc are in a horrible accident, leaving Lori on the brink of death. Marc, in turn, makes a deal with an entity to save her life. Lori and Marc are forced into a horrible situation that costs them both.
While they are fighting for each other and committed to their love, Detective Carver is busy trying to solve a murder happening in Sleepy Hollow. A mutilated body turns up and he needs to solve the murder before more are found.
Per PD Alleva style, scene development is top-notch. Alleva has a way with words that draw you into a place in the story that makes you feel like you are there, in the scene, a part of the story. It is so easy to fall into the tale and become a ghost to watch the struggles, the horror, and the love in this story.
As well as being a part of the story, the character development is on point. You can feel the love between Lori and Marc, and you end up caring deeply for the two of them. When the story gets intense and the horrors begin, it is so easy to fall with them. It doesn’t take long to become attached.
Alleva has the ability to lure you into his stories right from the beginning and forces you to hold on for a wicked ride. The amount of commitment Alleva has to share his stories with readers, easily comes across in his books. Alleva writes for the love of story-telling, and it shows. This passion of his and his ability to write fantastic stories, will no doubt become must-reads for all readers.
I absolutely recommend this for all gothic-horror readers. This is also a fantastic story to get introduced to PD Alleva. And keep a look-out for book two!
October 7, 2025
We are in Sleepy Hollow, NY in February, so it is appropriate we start out with a winter storm. The snow doesn’t cover up the mutilated, dead bodies that began to appear right out of the gate. I love a story that grabs my attention and never lets it go, and P D Alleva has the ability to do that with his latest horror novel series, The Sleepy Hollow Incident.
FBI Agent Henry Clavell is on the case. He hadn’t planned on coming to Sleepy Hollow, but a request from a friend brought him to town. He’ll be working closely with Captain Flannery and Detective Stephen Carver.
Marc Saduj was in love with Lori Francon, so when she was at death’s door, he made a deal with a demon, or shall we say, A Man In Black. He traded his soul to save her life.
Initium Novum
Humanity’s end as a new beginning.
What the fuck does that mean.
I felt the same way. I believe the demons are bringing hell to earth and they are just getting started. The bodies are piling up as the darkness descends over the town. P D Alleva has an incredible ability to fill the pages with a sense of menace, a feeling of doom and gloom that I can’t shake lose. As Marc descends into madness I feel empathy for his loss, and wonder…can good win out? Is he totally lost to the demon?
I want to let you know that there are four books in The Sleepy Hollow Incident series and they will need to be read in order. They will all be available in October, so no worry about waiting for publication. If you are a fan of horror, a fan of Stephen King, then I can’t help but think you could be a fan of P D Alleva too.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
FBI Agent Henry Clavell is on the case. He hadn’t planned on coming to Sleepy Hollow, but a request from a friend brought him to town. He’ll be working closely with Captain Flannery and Detective Stephen Carver.
Marc Saduj was in love with Lori Francon, so when she was at death’s door, he made a deal with a demon, or shall we say, A Man In Black. He traded his soul to save her life.
Initium Novum
Humanity’s end as a new beginning.
What the fuck does that mean.
I felt the same way. I believe the demons are bringing hell to earth and they are just getting started. The bodies are piling up as the darkness descends over the town. P D Alleva has an incredible ability to fill the pages with a sense of menace, a feeling of doom and gloom that I can’t shake lose. As Marc descends into madness I feel empathy for his loss, and wonder…can good win out? Is he totally lost to the demon?
I want to let you know that there are four books in The Sleepy Hollow Incident series and they will need to be read in order. They will all be available in October, so no worry about waiting for publication. If you are a fan of horror, a fan of Stephen King, then I can’t help but think you could be a fan of P D Alleva too.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
August 11, 2025
P.D. Aleva’s The Sleepy Hollow Incident blends gothic horror with modern thriller elements, delivering a dark and atmospheric tale of love, loss, and the high price of desperation.
Set in the winter of 1997, the novel follows Marc Saduj, a romance writer who strikes a Faustian bargain with the mysterious Man in Black to save his beloved Lori Francon after a devastating car accident. In exchange for her life, Marc forfeits his soul—an act that sets off a chilling sequence of events. As mutilated bodies begin appearing in town, Detective Stephen Carver’s investigation leads toward Marc, uncovering a tangled web of satanic rituals, medieval torture, and demonic possession. Meanwhile, Lori must confront the horrifying truth and decide how far she’s willing to go to save the man who once saved her.
Aleva’s writing excels in mood and pacing, weaving dread and tension through each chapter. The interplay between Marc and Lori adds emotional weight to the supernatural stakes, and the story’s ties to classic “deal with the devil” tropes are given fresh energy through the book’s gothic setting and layered character histories.
As the first part of a larger storyline, The Sleepy Hollow Incident sets the stage effectively for what’s to come, balancing intrigue with foreshadowing. While some readers may find the narrative’s occult elements familiar, the execution and emotional drama keep the pages turning. Fans of thrillers with a supernatural edge will find this a compelling—and unsettling—start to a larger saga.
Set in the winter of 1997, the novel follows Marc Saduj, a romance writer who strikes a Faustian bargain with the mysterious Man in Black to save his beloved Lori Francon after a devastating car accident. In exchange for her life, Marc forfeits his soul—an act that sets off a chilling sequence of events. As mutilated bodies begin appearing in town, Detective Stephen Carver’s investigation leads toward Marc, uncovering a tangled web of satanic rituals, medieval torture, and demonic possession. Meanwhile, Lori must confront the horrifying truth and decide how far she’s willing to go to save the man who once saved her.
Aleva’s writing excels in mood and pacing, weaving dread and tension through each chapter. The interplay between Marc and Lori adds emotional weight to the supernatural stakes, and the story’s ties to classic “deal with the devil” tropes are given fresh energy through the book’s gothic setting and layered character histories.
As the first part of a larger storyline, The Sleepy Hollow Incident sets the stage effectively for what’s to come, balancing intrigue with foreshadowing. While some readers may find the narrative’s occult elements familiar, the execution and emotional drama keep the pages turning. Fans of thrillers with a supernatural edge will find this a compelling—and unsettling—start to a larger saga.
September 24, 2025
In the town of Sleepy Hollow, Marc Sanduj works for the local paper as a writer. His dream is to one day write the great American novel. He lost his mother to suicide and his father to a heart attack. He lives in a small apartment with a great view. As he exits the coffee shop one day, he bumps into the local antique store owner, Lori Francon. Lori comes from generational wealth and grew up in the family home in the Hamptons. She relocated to Sleepy Hollow to escape her overbearing and opinionated mother and to start over after a bad breakup. Lori and Marc fall in love, supporting each other in every way. They may live in a place with a bad reputation, but they are in love.
While on a quick getaway, Marc starts writing a new book in a different genre, horror. He is always focused until he gets the story on paper, but this time, Lori notices he acts as if he is obsessed with this story. She is puzzled by the change in genre. She also realizes that Marc is acting so strangely. Should she be concerned?
Book one of the four-part series by P.D. Alleva is the perfect starting point for a horror story. The key characters and environment of Sleepy Hollow are introduced. Nothing seems unusual, but there are subtle hints that trouble is on the way. As with any good horror story, you begin to get that tingling on the back of your neck. Something evil is coming. I am so glad we get to be front row for all the fun! Book two can't arrive soon enough.
While on a quick getaway, Marc starts writing a new book in a different genre, horror. He is always focused until he gets the story on paper, but this time, Lori notices he acts as if he is obsessed with this story. She is puzzled by the change in genre. She also realizes that Marc is acting so strangely. Should she be concerned?
Book one of the four-part series by P.D. Alleva is the perfect starting point for a horror story. The key characters and environment of Sleepy Hollow are introduced. Nothing seems unusual, but there are subtle hints that trouble is on the way. As with any good horror story, you begin to get that tingling on the back of your neck. Something evil is coming. I am so glad we get to be front row for all the fun! Book two can't arrive soon enough.
October 28, 2025
I love how P.D Alleva has connected this book to his previous books, "Golem" and "Jiggly Spot and the Zero Intellect". If you have read these books, you will get an extra thrill out of "The Sleepy Hollow Incident", but you don't need to have read them to enjoy this book.
There is something very rotten in the woods of Sleepy Hollow. Detective Stephen Carter is following a brutal trail of satanic murder. A very unpleasant man is working hard for his evil master. And a romance writer survives a car crash but feels compelled to sell his soul to save the woman he loves. What could go wrong with that?
A tense, dark, exciting book full of horrifying demons and the people who worship them, as well as the ordinary people who get caught up in their web of darkness. If you've read Alleva's other works, you will find the same mix of horrific evil and dark humor, as well as the insights into humanity that make his books so good.
As this is the first part in a series, there is some resolution at the end of the book, but you have to read on to the next volume to find out what happens to the characters.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There is something very rotten in the woods of Sleepy Hollow. Detective Stephen Carter is following a brutal trail of satanic murder. A very unpleasant man is working hard for his evil master. And a romance writer survives a car crash but feels compelled to sell his soul to save the woman he loves. What could go wrong with that?
A tense, dark, exciting book full of horrifying demons and the people who worship them, as well as the ordinary people who get caught up in their web of darkness. If you've read Alleva's other works, you will find the same mix of horrific evil and dark humor, as well as the insights into humanity that make his books so good.
As this is the first part in a series, there is some resolution at the end of the book, but you have to read on to the next volume to find out what happens to the characters.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 8, 2025
What an evil, intense, and phantasmagorical start to an incredible series of horror novels based in that scary place we’ve all been familiar with for years. There is nothing normal in Sleepy Hollow.
Starting with Marc’s demonic and sinister childhood relationship with the Man in Black, moving into a romance with Lori that is suddenly interrupted by a horrific car accident that leaves Marc disfigured and Lori on the edge of death. Marc makes a pact with the Man in Black to save Lori’s life. He enters into a nightmare relationship that he can’t escape from.
PD has created the ultimate in gothic horror with this series. It grabs you by the shirt collar and drags you into a nightmare so deep you’ll never again step into a graveyard in the dark, and you won’t be able to escape the malevolent forces hiding in the shadows.
Thank you to PD for allowing me to read this book as an
ARC and leaving my honest opinion in regards to the first book in this series.
Read it if you dare and you won’t regret that choice if you’re a true fan of expertly crafted gothic horror.
Starting with Marc’s demonic and sinister childhood relationship with the Man in Black, moving into a romance with Lori that is suddenly interrupted by a horrific car accident that leaves Marc disfigured and Lori on the edge of death. Marc makes a pact with the Man in Black to save Lori’s life. He enters into a nightmare relationship that he can’t escape from.
PD has created the ultimate in gothic horror with this series. It grabs you by the shirt collar and drags you into a nightmare so deep you’ll never again step into a graveyard in the dark, and you won’t be able to escape the malevolent forces hiding in the shadows.
Thank you to PD for allowing me to read this book as an
ARC and leaving my honest opinion in regards to the first book in this series.
Read it if you dare and you won’t regret that choice if you’re a true fan of expertly crafted gothic horror.
October 7, 2025
Alleva has quickly become one of my favorite horror authors - right up there with Stephen King as a master of chills. This didn't disappoint, and I cannot wait to dive into book two! You dive right into a dark and gruesome scene, and the tension keeps up right through until the end of book one. The descriptions are vivid without being overly graphic or gorey, still getting the idea across. I was fascinated by the dark romance side of the story, that was interwoven with the main plot. The juxtaposition of the idea of soulmates with this tug of war with evil things lurking in the background and using Marc and Lori as pawns in some cosmic game just built the tension up dramatically. I'm curious to see how this further unfolds as the story progresses in the later books (and parts)!
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